Anthony Gordon penned an emotional goodbye to his "brother" Alexander Isak after seeing his Newcastle team-mate leave St. James' Park. The summer-long drama surrounding Isak finally reached its conclusion, with the Swedish forward sealing a record-breaking £125 million ($169m) switch from Tyneside to Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

• Isak sealed a £130m Liverpool switch
• Gordon buries the hatchet with an emotional farewell
• Newcastle’s short goodbye sparks debate

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After refusing to travel with the Magpies for their pre-season tour of Asia, Isak’s absence spoke volumes about his mindset. Frustrations boiled over in August when he released a stinging personal statement, accusing Newcastle of backtracking on promises made about his future. It was the moment supporters realised the romance between player and club was beyond repair. By the final hours of deadline day, the move to Anfield was inevitable. 

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  What caught many off guard was Newcastle’s muted farewell. The official club statement ran to a meagre 37 words, striking a cold, businesslike tone. For a player who had delivered countless goals and helped elevate the club on the European stage, the brevity of the message highlighted the strained relationship. It was a goodbye that felt more like a legal obligation than a heartfelt thank-you. 

• WHAT GORDON SAID

  If the club’s farewell was underwhelming, Gordon’s message was the opposite. The England international, who built a sparkling partnership with Isak on the pitch, made sure his teammate received the recognition he deserved.

  “Regardless of the situation & what’s gone on,” Gordon wrote on social media, “it’s been a pleasure to play with you. One of the best chemistries I’ve had on the pitch and more importantly a great person and teammate. I wish you nothing but the best, brother.” 

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Isak’s exit left a gaping hole in Newcastle’s frontline, but the club scrambled to soften the blow. Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa were drafted in on deadline day to bolster Eddie Howe’s attacking options. Neither player arrives with the star power of Isak, but both are seen as valuable additions who could develop into reliable performers. The question remains whether they can collectively replace the goals and presence of their departed talisman.   

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Category: News